Obituary of Frank Hsieh-Fu Cheng

Dr. Frank Hsieh-Fu Cheng, 89, longtime resident of Coralville, died Sunday, August 4, 2013, at his home. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 8, 2013, at the Coralville United Methodist Church, where a reception will follow. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in Frank's memory to the Holden Cancer Center c/o University of Iowa Foundation or the Coralville United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be sent for his family through the web @ www.gayandciha.com. Dr. Frank Hsieh-Fu Cheng was born in Shanghai, China, the fifth child among three brothers and two sisters. He graduated from St. John's University in Shanghai with a B.S. in Chemistry and came to the United States for graduate study in 1949. He earned the M.S. degree in biochemistry from the University of Tennessee in 1950 and received the Ph.D. degree in biochemistry from Indiana University in 1957. His dissertation, "Studies of immunological reactions using chemical and histochemical techniques," led to many years of research on antigen-antibody interactions and antibody biosynthesis. Frank spent 1957-58 at the McArdle Memorial Laboratory in Madison, Wisconsin where he met and married Margareth, his wife of 55 years. Dr. Cheng then spent five years at the Institute of Medical Research in Toledo, Ohio as a biochemist. Their three daughters were born in Toledo. Dr. Cheng joined the University of Iowa in 1964 and became professor of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine in 1980 where he taught and did medical research developing new imaging assays and studying contrast media reactions. He enjoyed his career and shared deep values in education with many students, staff, and colleagues before retiring in 1992. Frank Cheng was among the most recognized individuals in the University Hospital complex and the local communities. He was given the title of "Friends" Ambassador, and since 1964 has greeted hundreds of people sharing his enthusiasm for Iowa and the university. In addition, Dr. Cheng was proud of his heritage, and sharing his love of east and west cultures. He always enjoyed building understanding and camaraderie. He helped facilitate a cultural exchange visit to China, and was a frequent host to foreign visitors. To Frank, the community was local, and yet it was global. His community service reflected that. Dr. Cheng received many awards including the International Citizen of Iowa City Award, Distinguished Service Award of the Chinese Academic and Professional Association Mid-America Chapter, Outstanding Service Awards from Optimist International of Coralville, The Key to the City of Coralville , and served as Grand Marshall of the Coralville Fourth of July parade. He was a member of the Coralville United Methodist Church, and chaired many committees. He also served on the Salvation Army Board. Dr. Cheng is survived by his wife Margareth, and was the loving father and grandfather to Pearl Cheng (Bob Campbell), Meg and Bryce Cheng-Campbell of California; Tina Cheng (Ken Conca), Alison and Andrew Conca-Cheng of Maryland; Teresa Wu (John Wu), Nicholas and Zachary Wu of California. He relished life and will be greatly missed. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Frank's family and his services.